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<p>The year-end and New Year season marks the close of one year and the beginning of another. Under normal circumstances, this would be a time when people tend to overdrink or overeat at gatherings and social drinking occasions. However, as the spread of COVID-19 has made private gatherings impossible, the kind of excessive drinking that was common in previous years has become rare. On the other hand, it is said that the number of people hosting home parties or drinking alone at home has increased, as going out has become difficult.</p>
<p>According to statistics from distribution companies, alcohol sales on December weekends increased by more than 10% compared to regular weekends. In the case of online shopping malls, sales of wine accessories such as wine coolers and buckets increased by 50% compared to the previous year, sales of traditional Korean liquor increased by 13%, and sales of fruit wines and general distilled spirits that can be enjoyed casually increased by more than 80%. Sales of various wine glasses and dedicated liquor refrigerators for setting up a home bar also showed an upward trend. &nbsp;</p>
<p>It is commendable to comply with quarantine guidelines, refrain from gatherings, and appropriately relieve stress at home. Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol within one's limit is not significantly harmful. However, caution is advised, as habitually frequent drinking can be detrimental to one's health and can also accelerate skin aging.</p>
<p>Drinking alcohol increases transepidermal water loss, decreases sebum secretion, and raises the skin's pH level. After drinking, the face flushes and blood circulation speeds up, making the body feel warm; however, what actually occurs is that moisture is lost, causing the body to lose heat to the outside. Habitually excessive drinking continuously dries out the skin, leading to xerosis (dry skin condition), and in severe cases, can even cause inflammation.</p>
<p>Furthermore, immune function tends to decline after drinking, and the skin is no exception. When skin immunity weakens, skin troubles such as acne can appear, and various inflammatory conditions may develop. In particular, during winter when humidity is low, if the skin becomes dry even in its deeper layers, skin elasticity decreases and fine lines increase, which can accelerate aging.</p>"

<p>Therefore, if you drink alcohol during the dry winter season, you should pay special attention to staying hydrated. When drinking, make sure to consume plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee and green tea as much as possible. Since vitamin C helps break down alcohol and aids in skin regeneration, it is advisable to eat fresh vegetables or fruits as snacks while drinking.</p>
<p>To maintain healthy skin in winter and achieve youthful, elastic skin, receiving dermatological treatments can also be a good option. One effective treatment is Ulthermage FLX. Ulthermage FLX is a combined procedure that pairs Ulthera lifting, which stimulates the skin's fascial layer to lift the skin, with Thermage FLX, which uses radiofrequency to tighten the skin surface. Since it lifts sagging skin upward, it not only improves facial contours but also enhances elasticity, making it a highly satisfying treatment.</p>
<p>In order to fully enjoy the effects of Ulthermage FLX, the procedure must be performed accurately and safely with overall consideration of the skin condition, degree of aging, and direction of wrinkles at the time of treatment. Therefore, it is important to receive the procedure from a board-certified dermatologist with extensive clinical experience and expertise in Ulthermage FLX.</p>
<p>Written by: Dr. Lee Won-shin, Director of Apgujeong Wells Dermatology Clinic</p>
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